KOTA KINABALU: The difference in perspectives between Malaysians in the peninsula and those in Sabah and Sarawak over the country’s formation is making them think that there are 2Malaysias, says a human rights commissioner.
Former state secretary Tan Sri Simon Sipaun said Sabahans and Sarawakians in general regarded Sept 16, 1963 as the day the nation was formed. The date was when the two states teamed up with Malaya.
“However, in a recent discussion involving academics, lecturers and students in the peninsula, it was obvious that there was a different view of Sabah and Sarawak’s position,” said Sipaun, currently Suhakam vice-chairman.
“Some even said Sabahans should be grateful to Malaya for giving them their independence,” he said.
Sipaun said Aug 31, 1957 was the day Malaya attained its independence.
“But that date has no significance to the people in Sabah and Sarawak as it was only Malaya that became independent then.”
He said if such perceptions were allowed to prevail, there would be “a misinterpretation among some that there is a 2Malaysia.”
In this regard, he said efforts to boost the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia concept should go beyond mere slogans.
“We will only feel a sense of unity in the heart when the Government is not perceived as marginalising or discriminating against anyone, and is instead seen to be fair to all, regardless of their race, religion or culture,” said Sipaun.
He said Sept 16 should thus be given due recognition and celebrated on a national scale.
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Strange that no one gives a damn about Sabah until five peninsular states were lost to the opposition. Tawau still experiences blackouts, the traffic is horrible for a town the size of one or two West M shopping malls, the international airport is quiet for most of the day and illegal immigrants outnumber Malaysians, at any time of the year. You want to talk about 1Malaysia? Do something Malaysian for Sabah first.
1 comment:
Actually, Borneo is the er.. whole island, inclusive of lands of two other countries, Brunei (the whole of it) and Indonesia (Kalimantan).
But fret not, it's a common misconception amongst Malaysians and nons. And it is way better than some things West Malaysians have asked me:
"Did you come here by bus? Do you still live in trees? Hmm, Sabahans don't pierce their earlobes, do they?"
.. to which I normally answer..
"Yes, we have flying buses. Yes, and we take helicopters to school or ride crocodiles. No, we prefer to pierce areas which do not see the light of day."
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